2025 March Madness betting recap: 'Complete collapse by Duke was what we needed'

March Madness odds made way for moneyline mania through much of this year’s NCAA Tournament. Or, more accurately: favorite, moneyline, parlay mania, as the public betting masses consistently cashed out.

From the Sweet 16 through the first game of the Final Four — in which Florida held off Auburn — favorites went a perfect 13-0 straight up (SU). Florida’s win perfectly set up championship favorite Duke to cash another pile of moneyline parlays on Saturday night against Houston.

That is, until Duke blew a seven-point lead in the final 1:26. Houston closed on a shocking 11-1 run for a 70-67 upset, which led to much rejoicing from oddsmakers.

"A complete collapse by Duke was just what we needed," BetMGM Nevada’s Scott Shelton said.

A few oddsmakers helped recap the weekend that was in Final Four odds, and looked ahead to Florida vs. Houston odds in Monday’s final.

Comeback Cougars

Midway through the second half, Houston was in deep trouble against Duke. The Cougars trailed 56-42 with 11:54 remaining, and with 8:17 left, it was still a 14-point gap at 59-45.

With 1:26 remaining, Cooper Flagg hit two free throws to put Duke up 66-59. But the Blue Devils would score just one point the rest of the way, while Houston stunningly rallied with 11 points, including the final nine.

It was practically sports thievery, which is how Rich Zanco described it, from his perch as Caesars Sports’ head of college basketball trading.

"That was a huge swing overall for us, with the ‘dog winning outright. It feels like the Houston Cougars committed a felony, stealing that game down the stretch," Zanco said.

Added BetMGM national trading manager Seamus Magee: "It’s the best result we could’ve asked for. Futures liability, parlays, spread bets,